University of California (San Diego) Medical Center Program

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program Overview

The University of California San Diego (UCSD) Medical Center Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program is designed to produce well-rounded child psychiatrists proficient in both clinical practice and academic research. This ACGME-accredited fellowship is primarily based at Rady Children's Hospital, recognized as the largest children's hospital in California. This program emphasizes an integration of community-based care with academic rigor, ensuring that both fellows and patients can thrive through strong support systems and clinical expertise.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship spans two years, with a structured curriculum that includes extensive clinical training in various settings. In the first year, fellows engage in inpatient psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, pediatric emergency psychiatry, outpatient community-based care, and comprehensive treatment for eating disorders. Fellows also benefit from experiences in individual and group psychotherapy as well as gender-affirming care at the Rady Children’s Hospital Center.

In the second year, fellows rotate through diverse outpatient clinical settings focused on specialized populations, such as underserved youth, youth involved in foster care, and those facing issues like substance use disorders. The second year offers selective rotations that provide exposure to neurodevelopmental disorders and juvenile justice. These rotations are designed to address the various facets of community mental health, allowing fellows to become advocates for their patients.

Educational Tracks

The program offers two distinct educational tracks that applicants can select through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS): the Traditional Track and the Community Track.

Traditional Track

The Traditional Track provides exposure to general outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry, urgent care, and integrated service models in collaboration with primary care pediatrics. Typically, 4 fellows are accepted each year in this track.

Community Track

The Community Track emphasizes serving specialized community populations, including youth at risk for trafficking, and those impacted by systemic challenges. This track accommodates 2 fellows annually and includes further advocacy and scholarship opportunities.

Didactic Experience

A full, uninterrupted day of didactics is incorporated into both years of training, without pager interruptions. This structure promotes a focused learning environment where fellows acquire knowledge critical to their development as child and adolescent psychiatrists. Didactic sessions cover various essential topics, ensuring that trainees are equipped to handle the complexities of the field.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research throughout their training. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based medicine and clinical research, allowing fellows to contribute to ongoing projects or to develop their independent inquiries. A required research project forms a cornerstone of the fellowship experience, enabling fellows to integrate clinical practice with academic research.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive, with specific requirements for applicants. Candidates must have completed three years of General Psychiatry residency in the United States. International Medical Graduates are advised to check California licensure requirements. Notably, applicants who have not passed the STEP III/COMLEX III examination will not be considered for interviews or rankings until a passing score is achieved. The program also accepts a broad range of candidates, encouraging those with backgrounds in humanitarian and community-based care to apply.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for eligible international applicants, typically through J-1 or H-1B visas, allowing them to participate fully in the training program while residing in the United States.

Unique Features and Community Engagement

UCSD’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship prides itself on community engagement, going beyond traditional training to address pressing health disparities. The fellows often work in projects connected to local substance use programs, trauma-informed care, and systems of care analysis.

Salary and Benefits

The fellow salary for the 2023-2024 academic year starts at approximately $88,471 for PGY-4 fellows, scaling up to $94,657 for PGY-6 fellows. Additional benefits, which include health care, parental leave, and more, are provided, fostering a supportive environment conducive to both personal and professional growth.

Contact Information

For additional inquiries or application submission, applicants may contact the program administrator directly for more personalized assistance.